Sahara Motion Pictures reveals big plans

Sahara Motion Pictures has staked its claim to become the largest corporate entity in the film entertainment business. Shailendra Singh, Joint Managing Director, Percept Advertising, who is also on the Board of the Sahara Motion Pictures consulting panel, claims that the entity has 47 productions in 2004.

Singh was speaking on the sidelines of a press conference organised on the Independence Day 2004 in Mumbai to announce the Diwali release of Shyam Benegal's epic 'Bose - The Forgotten Hero'.

Sharing the dais with Abhijit Sarkar (Head - Corporate Communications), acclaimed veteran film director and ‘Padmabhushan’ Shyam Benegal, actor Sachin Khedekar (playing the lead role of Netaji) and Akashdeep (Creative Director, Sahara Manoranjan) amongst others, Singh stated, "Sahara Motion Pictures aims to entertain India and therefore, we support niche films such as 'Bose...'. This crossover film has a huge potential in the global markets – especially in places such as Burma, Germany, Singapore, Afghanistan and Uzbekistan where it has been shot. We have laid an entire marketing roadmap for distributing the film in global markets." He went on to say, "Why shouldn't an Indian film like 'Bose...' cross over and emulate Hollywood films that make inroads into the Indian market?"

When asked about association with brands, Singh said, "We are looking to advertisers who seek brand association by presenting the film. "The opportunity will be a great one as the much awaited 'Bose...' comes two decades after Richard Attenborough's 'Gandhi'. Benegal also sought the support of corporate advertisers, saying, “If everyone supports commercial formula films, creativity will take a hit as everything will be confined to a narrow spectrum.” Incidentally, Benegal's team conducted research for two years and used the archives of the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Foundation and Bose's family members.

In a press release, Subrata Roy, Managing Worker and Chairman, Sahara Parivar, has been quoted as saying, " The film 'Bose..' is part of the emotional commitment of Sahara India Pariwar to recreate his efforts to bring all Indians together, irrespective of religion, caste and culture. It is an emotional endeavour to provide quality and meaningful entertainment before the viewers."